Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali, a new tech hub in Rwanda's capital is set to launch. Located next to the Kigali Convention Centre, the hub is still testing its services with the official launch to follow soon.
"We’re offering startups and entrepreneurs the opportunity to try out our space at no-cost until the 31.10.2018," Sarah Rukundo, the Community Manager wrote in an email.
There's been a growing confusion when it comes to differentiating between the terms hub, co-shared space, co-working space and others close to them. But, Sarah says that they are looking to run a hybrid model.
"It’s a really a hybrid between those things," Sarah wrote, adding that what they are doing is offering a "platform for entrepreneurs, startups, and corporates to come together to innovate and scale their businesses."
"We will be providing various services such as co-working and private office space, a
maker space, events, advisory services and professional development workshops. Some
of these we’ll offer ourselves, some through partners."
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Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali is near Kigali Convent Centre[/caption]
The hub has a capacity of 200 people and one can join through various avenues. Memberships stretch from just using the co-working space to private companies looking to associate with the hub.
"Currently monthly rates are; Flex[ible] Desk [is] RWF 100.000, Fix[ed] Desk [is] RWF 200.000 and Private office pricing upon request. Club Memberships for companies that don’t need office space but want to be part of our ecosystem start at RWF50.000."
Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali recently hosted the Seedstars Kigali event and hopes to be the center. According to Sarah, they'd relish organizing any future events like Seedstars as they align with their mission of building a community.
Also read: Two Ugandan law firms have partnered to launch a tech hub in Kampala
Currently, they are planning to host their "next big event" in the first week of October called 'The Young Founders Conference'. A 2-day conference for startup founders from Rwanda, with workshops such as pitch training, investor presentations and more.
Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali is operated by the Germany-based Westerwelle Foundation and the second after the one in Tunis.
"The Westerwelle Foundation first started conceiving the project of Startup Haus centers in 2014 and launched the first space together with enpact in Tunis in 2015."
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The hub recently hosted the Seedstars Kigali event[/caption]
The foundation operates it and co-funds it together with the Evonik foundation.
Hubs across Africa are struggling to come up with sustainable models. Many are still supported by development agencies and foundations. Yet Rebecca Enonchong, AfriLabs' Chair, pointed out that Africa needs more tech hubs.
According to the GSMA 2018 map for hubs across Africa, Kigali has around 4 hubs. This would be a great addition to the ecosystem.
Though, like the majority of hubs across the continent, its funding is from a foundation.